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Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi (born 20 Aug 1995), known professionally as Quenellx95, is a South African Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, record producer and record label X95WORLDMUSIX. He was raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Quenellx95 Birth name : Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi Also known as : Triple coma, Karly Minashly, Den xjey & Quenell Minashly Born : 20 Aug …
Construction of a permanent station in Makhaza will start next year, says Bheki Cele
Protest highlights the catastrophic mess the department has made of funding for non-profit organisations
They were demanding full employment by the province
Elections out of the country commence
Today is the first of two days South African citizens abroad can cast their vote in the National and Provincial Elections 2024.
“South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said.
Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24 194, this station will operate on both the 18 and 19 May 2024.
The international segment of the voters roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.
“This comes after the approval of 20 886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” Mamabolo said.
The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.
“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes and a voter list.”
Voting stations will be open from 07:00am to 19:00pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.
“On both voting days abroad, the Electoral Commission will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” he said.
WATCH | Full IEC briefing
SA citizens voting out-of-country in the 2024 National Election can only vote on one day at their mission:
- Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on Friday, 17 May, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on this Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran.
- Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on Saturday, 18 May, from 7am to 7pm.
Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:38
In the midst of political alliances with coal lobbyists, environmentalists are urging strategic voting and active citizenship to address the deepening climate crisis and stave off the collapse of natural systems. Voting is crucial, but South Africa’s political parties are falling short on addressing urgent climate and ecological challenges. In reality, many are “schizophrenic”, “bipolar”, …
At Moreleta Service Centre, we understand the frustration that comes with noticing your car’s exhaust emitting smoke. As experienced automotive professionals, we’re here to shed light on this common concern and provide solutions to put your mind at ease. Understanding the Issue Smoke being emitted from your vehicle’s exhaust system is a visible sign of …
Safeguarding the future
As the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the Department of Social Development will launch the country’s Child Protection Week on Sunday, 19 May 2024.
According to the department, South Africa has undergone a deliberate transformation, with one of the key priorities being to ensure the protection and upholding of the human rights of children.
The previous laws, according to the department, were informed by colonial and apartheid systems, which brought the provision of services based on race and colour.
These laws, amongst others, included the Group Areas Act, Bantu Local Authorities Act and the 1923 Native Areas Act, which segregated urban residential space and created “influx controls” to reduce access to cities by Blacks.
“All these and other pieces of legislation had a negative impact on the lives of Blacks, Coloureds, and Indian communities who were discriminated against because of their colour and were categorised as minority groups without access to basic services, including, clean water, quality education, and their right to dignity.
“The South African family was disintegrated and separated through migrant labour laws leaving children with one or no caregiver or parent,” the statement read.
In its efforts to advance the dignity and human rights of the people, the democratic government has since prioritised the development of the Constitution which was signed into law in 1996.
Section 28 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution guarantees children their rights, including the right to a name, citizenship, education care and support.
According to the Constitution, children need food and shelter for their development and survival. They should also be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation as well as from exploitative labour practices.
“When Nelson Mandela became President, he committed to creating and leading a people-centred society and spoke to the needs of caring for children and young people.
“The youth of our country are the valued possession of the nation. Without them, there can be no future. Their needs are immense and urgent. They are at the centre of our reconstruction and development plan.”
To demonstrate the commitment of the new government to the rights of children, in his first State of the Nation Address, President Mandela ordered the release of children who were incarcerated by the oppressive government.
The department said before 2005, the Child Care Act, which was later overhauled and replaced by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, regulated children’s services.
“The introduction of the Children’s Act brought in a paradigm shift in the provision of child protection services and put the best interest of all children at the centre.”
As a result, the strengthened child protection measures saw the introduction of services that were geared towards care and protection of children, cushioning orphans, and vulnerable children as well as the protection of children in need of care and protection.
In celebrating the country’s 30 years of freedom and democracy, Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, will launch the Child Protection Week campaign to reflect on the gains of the country and to promote the rights of children.
This year, the campaign was brought forward due to the national elections and will be commemorated under the ‘Protecting South Africa’s Children 30 years on’ theme.
South Africa through the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is obligated to look after every child within its borders.
The department said government has invested in children through various services like education, health, access to clean water, health, and electricity and currently has the biggest social assistance programme aimed at protecting children. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:39
All eyes are on the RMB National Squad as the countdown begins for the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta (FOQR) set to unfold in Lucerne, Switzerland, from the 19th to the 21st of May 2024. This event marks the last chance for athletes to secure coveted spots at the upcoming Olympic Games, and the RMB Team …
Swellendam, South Africa May 2024: Southern Oil’s Canola Development Trust Empowers Future Generations Through Education Southern Oil, a leading producer in the agricultural sector, reaffirms its commitment to community well-being through its unwavering support of the Canola Development Trust that heads up two educational systems that are the first of its kind in South Africa. …
As extremely active importers and exporters of goods to boost and grow the economy, South African businesses require high-calibre inspection and expediting services. Dekra Industrial SA has recently launched a division dedicated to meet this growing requirement. With decades of experience in non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection services, the company brings a wealth of inspection-related …
SIU, Hawks raid Home Affairs offices in five provinces
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with the assistance of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, on Friday conducted searches and seized evidence at Home Affairs offices in five provinces.
The SIU said in a statement that this is part of an ongoing investigation into the affairs of the department.
The SIU was granted a search warrant by the Special Tribunal, a judicial platform established to adjudicate on matters emanating from SIU investigations, on 10 May.
The searched offices and mirror imaging of a server took place at the head office of the Department of Home Affairs in the Pretoria CBD, at the Centurion office and at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre in Marabastad.
The other raids took place at the Refugee Reception Centres in Musina, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Durban.
“The searches follow a tip off from a whistleblower that suggested that Home Affairs officials in the identified centres work with syndicates to duplicate application status files applied for in other offices and process them for a fee.
“The whistleblower also stated that the officials bypass immigration systems to enable foreign nationals who have entered the country illegally to remain in the country and acquire permits illegally and unlawfully,” the statement read.
It was also alleged that Home Affairs officials were delaying the finalisation of the asylum seeker permits to facilitate bogus asylum seekers.
Using the permits, which were obtained illegally and unlawfully, the bogus asylum seekers remain in the country and later use the same permits to apply for Permanent Resident Permits and ultimately, obtain South African citizenship.
“After getting citizenship, they qualify to get a maroon passport, which allows them to travel all over the world except their country of origin.”
Members of the SIU and the Hawks seized computers, electronic pieces of equipment, and documents that will assist with their ongoing investigation.
Proclamation
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate serious maladministration and improper conduct at Home Affairs through Proclamation 154 of 2024.
The proclamation empowers the SIU to probe serious maladministration relating to the issuance of permanent residence permits, corporate visas, business visas, critical or exceptional skills work visas, study visas, retired persons’ visas, work visas, and citizenship by naturalisation, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2002; the South African Citizenship Act, 1995; manuals, guidelines, circulars, practice notes or instructions applicable to Home Affairs; or manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of or applicable to the department.
The proclamation also authorises the SIU to investigate any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs or any other person or entity concerning the allegations being investigated.
It also covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation, or before 12 October 2004 and after the date of the Proclamation that is relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters, or involves the same persons, entities, or contracts investigated.
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future recurrence,” the SIU explained.
In line with the SIU and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the agency will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:48
Damian Willemse, Hacjivah Dayimani and Brok Harris all come into the DHL Stormers’ starting line-up for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter with Connacht in Galway on Saturday. The DHL Stormers will be looking to make it back-to-back wins on the road when they take on the Irish side at the Dexcom Stadium at 18h05 …
Dewi Lake is aiming to play his part in helping put some joy back into Welsh rugby. It’s been a difficult season for the game in Wales with the Test team suffering a Six Nations whitewash and three of the regions lying in the bottom four of the BKT URC table. But Lake’s Ospreys are …
Dear Editor Crime stats release shelved 12 days before election. The fourth quarter crime statistics scheduled to be released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) at 12h00 today have been shelved by Minister Bheki Cele. This is a blatant attempt to avoid embarrassment before the election on the 29th of May and an unacceptable …
Suzuki added two very special pieces of silverware to its trophy cabinet last week. South Africa’s compact car specialist received the winner’s trophy in the Budget and Compact Vehicle category of the SA Car of the Year (COTY) Competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. The Guild picked the Suzuki Fronx as the winner in this …
“Today we concluded the George building collapse rescue and recovery operation,” said Anton Bredell Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning. Minister Bredell added that this disaster will be remembered for the immense and tragic loss of life, but also for the incredibly brave and selfless work carried out by the …
Monument of remembrance for KZN families
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu is expected to lead a traditional cleansing ceremony and unveil a monument of remembrance for families and graves that were relocated from the uMngeni riverbanks for the construction of the Inanda Dam in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
The department said the cleansing ceremony, which will take place at Inanda Dam, kwaMsinsi on Monday, seeks to appease the families of Qadi, eMaphephetheni, KwaNgcolosi and KwaQiniselani-Manyuswa Traditional Authorities whose families were relocated to allow space for the reconstruction of Inanda Dam.
Before the construction of the dam in 1989, the families from four traditional authorities lived along the riverbanks of uMngeni flowing from Nottingham Road, where they also buried their deceased traditionally in the kraals, as had been done from generation to generation.
In 1987, the families were relocated to various areas, and around 800 graves were exhumed, and reburials conducted at various gravesites in the province. The majority of the remains were reburied at the Ntuzuma gravesite, while some of the graves were unaccounted for.
“Over the years, representatives of the four traditional authorities and the families have been engaging with the DWS over concerns that during the impounding of the dam, traditional rites were never observed or performed to inform and appease the departed that they were being relocated from their ancestral home to be reinterred somewhere else,” the department said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation and its KZN water entity, the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, together with its subsidiary, Msinsi Holdings, which is responsible for the Inanda Dam water resource infrastructure, will host the traditional cleansing ceremony and erect a monument to provide closure to the affected families.
“This is in accordance with the legislations and policies that guide on the management of issues relating to land development by government, including relocations and compensations for those affected by the process,” the department said.
During the ceremony, Mchunu will be accompanied by the leadership of the provincial and local government, representatives of the four traditional authorities, the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board and Msinsi Holdings. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 12:19
There are more than 300 shacks in Havelock next to the formal suburb of Greenwood Park
George building collapse: Rescue and recovery operation concluded
The George building collapse rescue and recovery operation has concluded, Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell announced on Friday.
This follows an operation which lasted 260 hours, with personnel working on a 24-hour basis, with two shifts on rotation.
In a joint media statement released on Friday, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the disaster will be remembered for the immense and tragic loss of life, but also for the incredibly brave and selfless work carried out by the more than 1 000 rescue, support, and volunteer workers who were involved since the incident occurred on 6 May 2024.
“The rescue operation saw more than 6 000 tons of rubble being carefully removed while rescue workers searched for survivors. This has been an exceptionally difficult time for us all. But through it all, our disaster management workers and volunteers persevered with the sole aim of saving the lives of as many people as possible,” Winde said.
Revised number of people on site
There were several revisions to the number of people who were reported to be on site when the collapse happened and during the rescue operation.
Rescue personnel had to work under extremely difficult conditions, with the information provided to them at the time based on information received from the contractor on site, the South African Police Service, and other emerging external sources.
“I am very happy that we could revise the number of people on site down from 81 to 62, as it means fewer families are grieving today,” Winde said.
According to the latest update issued by George Municipality on Friday at 9am, 62 people were on the building site when the building collapse occurred; 34 people were successfully rescued; 33 people passed away, including five people who were rescued, but later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Ten people are still in hospital and 19 people have either been discharged or received medical treatment on site.
Winde expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of deceased.
“We share your pain and will do everything we can to hold those responsible for this tragedy accountable,” he said.
The Premier reiterated the attention is now focused on the investigation launched by the provincial government after the incident.
“This was a devastating tragedy. We need to understand what happened and what steps need to be taken to ensure that we do whatever we can to hold those who need to be held to account,” Winde said.
Winde also commended the rescue team for every life saved, while they were on the ground during the operation.
“I know what it did for all of us when our teams pulled Gabriel from the rubble early on Saturday morning. And I must again recognise all the residents of this province who pulled together and showed immense compassion and support, thank you,” Winde said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 13:05
R1.5 million irrigation system to boost vegetable farmers
Vegetable farmers in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, are set to increase their agricultural productivity and income, thanks to a brand-new irrigation system received from the Provincial Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Department.
Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters handed over an irrigation system worth R1. 5 million to vegetable farmers at Nonkobe in Orange Grove village, Mthatha, in a bid to support the enterprise to access formal markets.
The enterprise has 24 members, including 18 females and six young people producing a variety of vegetables.
Pieters said the department has invested a total of R2,7 million to ensure the enterprise has good agricultural activities (GAP) certification that will allow them to sell their products to supermarkets and other places.
The enterprise was originally assisted by the Department of Social Development in 2006 and was converted from a farrow irrigation system to a sprinkler irrigation system.
Pieters said the department’s investment will ensure that all 17 hectares used by the enterprise will be irrigated and fenced, while storage facilities will be constructed.
The department will also assist the farmers with water rights application.
Pieters commended the active involvement of young people in the enterprise, noting it will ensure the continuity of the enterprise.
“We urge young people to understand that farming is a credible source of income. We want to motivate you so that this enterprise can reach commercial stages,” Pieters said.
To show their commitment, the members bought two diesel engines that amounted to R500 000 from their produce.
Enterprise Chairperson, Walter Mnqwazi described the department’s investment as a game changer for their enterprise, noting that the youth is now showing interest in joining the enterprise.
“Since the installation of the irrigation system, we have seen a huge difference. We have increased our production, and our income has also increased,” Mnqwazi said.
While serving both the formal and informal market, Mnqwazi said the enterprise has well established ties with Kei Fresh Produce Market.
Local headman, Msindise Mdemka commended the government for the assistance, saying the tools of trade will make an enormous impact in the development of the area.
The MEC also handed over vegetable seedling, fertilisers, and knapsack to assist the enterprise to spread pesticides in their field. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:23
Ethel Kuuya, a dynamic force in the realms of leadership and entrepreneurship, is igniting a transformative movement across Africa with her visionary leadership philosophy. In her profound book, “Leading Beyond Now,” Ethel Kuuya presents a new standard—a new way of being for Africa. At its heart, “Leading Beyond Now” embodies the essential commitments required to …
Disney’s The Magic Box, a theatrical experience developed in association with Disney Theatrical Group, presented by Fever, together with Proactiv Entertainment and RGB, and produced by leading local promoter Showtime Management, announced the world premiere of its English-language production. The show, featuring an all-South African cast and crew, opens at Artscape, Cape Town, on 9 […]
The South African Bar & Beverage Awards is now accepting nominations for the most anticipated bar categories of 2024. This year’s awards will also highlight the vital supporting industries that drive service excellence in the bar sector. The aim is to establish the Bar & Beverage Awards among the top international drinks accolades and the …